MBA & ISB BITS, Pilani Aug 2006

Agenda Why an MBA When MBA Why ISB What ISB looks for Application Requirements/Procedure Application Deadlines Tips for ISB/MBA with work-ex Answers to some FAQs

Why do an MBA To “understand a way of thinking" and not to “learn a set of financial/management tools/skills" Case studies bring up business dilemmas for which a best plan has to be formulated Trains the mind to think in a particular way Tools are important but are the means to an end To build a strong network To understand business/world better Accelerate your career To have fun! Some reasons why NOT to do an MBA Get more salary (at least, let it not be the ONLY reason! ) Do “strategy work”

When MBA? There is no one answer Post BITS with work experience: Let the environment you are in help you decide Question yourself at regular intervals What will I be doing at my workplace in the next one year? Am I learning interesting things at my work? Am I working to my potential? Am I being challenged? Am I happy and enjoying myself at work? Is my career progressing or has it stagnated? Do I see my career moving towards a stage where an MBA will give me an edge? If you contemplate a job change, decide whether you want a new job or an MBA

Why ISB? One Year Program Allows faster return to workplace Does not compromise on intensity, contact points etc. World Class Faculty Drawn from top B-schools across the world Often are renowned gurus in their respective fields Global & Constantly Updated Curriculum Study incorporates latest, cutting-edge research of faculty Experienced, diverse and high quality peer group Learnings from interacting/debating with entrepreneurs, doctors, lawyers, army majors, engineers, CAs Campus Facilities Comparable to top B-schools in the world Lateral Placements/Career Shifts

What ISB Admissions looks for? Leadership Potential Demonstrated leadership qualities in life/academics/career Primarily determined through recommendations/essays Diversity “What distinguishes you from your applicant pool?” Work Experience Minimum 2 years expected Again, can be because of life/academics/career etc. Quality/”Richness” matters Visible career progression demonstrates focus/maturity/drive Academic/Extra curricular Achievements Rigorous program requires good academic orientation Under/Post grad school, CGPA, rank etc. matter GMAT Score/CAT Score (Provisional)

Application Requirements/Procedure Eligibility: Undergrad + 2 yrs work ex. preferred Apply to ISB with Personal Essays Critical Assessment of Self Career Goals – Why ISB Teamwork example & learnings Instance of failure & learnings from experience Role Model Leader (Some essays change but first two are usually constant) Resume GMAT Score Two Recommendations Transcripts, certificates etc. Selected candidates go through an interview

Application Deadlines Typically two cycles Cycle 1Cycle 2 Application Deadline1-Nov07-Jan Offer Decision31-Dec28-Feb Acceptance Decision15-Jan15-Mar Apply early – preferably in the first cycle

Tips for ISB ISB & BITS have a very good relationship ISB encourages BITSian applications Separate info-session held for BITSians Application Think through your application - do serious self-introspection Be sincere and honest Evaluators look for a tight & convincing story Recommendations Go for managers/direct supervisors if possible Other choices: Customer contacts, previous managers etc. Interview First impressions matter! Normally, interviews are used to test weaker areas of application Have a “Plan B”

Tips for MBA with work-ex As “potential applicants” you have unique advantage Yet to enter the corporate world - so can choose a career that Brings diversity Brings richness of work experience Allows you to shape your career from a MBA perspective Understand areas in application where you need to improve Use industry exposure platforms like PS-2 effectively Corollary: Understand strengths and bring them out better “Reflect” on workplace happenings to gather insights Again, use PS-2 effectively Network at BITS and in your workplace Your network will be your strength – always!

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